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Wednesday, 12 December 2018

IN HOSPITAL

A short entry to let you know I am in hospital with Acute Myloid Leukaemia. I was diagnosed on Thursday 29th November and admitted to hospital the next day.

I began the first cycle of treatment - ten days of chemo-therapy- on Friday 7th December. I'll be in hospital for four or five weeks depending how quickly my body recovers from the onslaught. Then after a time at home, back here for more treatment. It should take about four months altogether.

Thanks to the steep Halifax Hills, the allotment and three flights of steps in my house my starting point is healthy and my heart is physically strong.

During the onslaught of the treatment I have to be kept away from possible infection so I'm in a room of my own (with a shower and a loo to the side). A combination of the NHS and a local charity provide a fridge and a kettle, a TV and free internet in our rooms. Without these - and my laptop - life would be lonely and difficult so I am very grateful.

The doctors are blunt. The next four months are likely to be horrible and the outcome is not certain. Hopefully by the summer I'll be up and running but there are no guarantees.

41 comments:

Lucy, I don't know what to say. Please know that I am thinking of you and sending every possible good wish for strength and healing. You will be in my prayers (which tend to happen when I'm outside, in nature, so I think you will approve). Please if you can/ want to keep us all updated. With love, CT x

Hello Countryside Tales. I don't really know what to say either, hence this rather bald entry. Thank you for your prayers.

I'm living in a very separate-from-nature-environment now. Everything very clean; no plants, no flowers, not even any uncooked fruit or veg. (And, strangely, no pepper.)It was quite a sudden transformation of life from one day to the next.

I understand it's hit and miss how different people's bodies behave. So far it hasn't been too bad. My temperature keeps going up and down which is uncomfortable but it could be much worse. Half way through the first ten days of chemo.

Hello, Lucy. I am so sorry to hear that you are so seriously ill. My thoughts are with you at this very difficult time. I am hoping that you will receive all the care and support you need while you are undergoing treatment. My very best wishes to you.

I was so shocked to read your news Lucy. Sending you healing thoughts and much love. When I was desperately ill 2 years ago you were a great comfort to me. There will be many challenges ahead. Each time, concentrate on something beautiful. I chose an oak tree that I’d started writing about for tree following. I pictured myself standing under the tree and looking up at the sun through the branches. It was a great help to me at times when I needed a distraction. You must chose something similar. Hospital is like being transported to another planet. Nothing is familiar. An alien environment. Can I send you anything, books, magazines, etc? Please let me know. I’m right by your side. Much love- karen xxx

I'm so sorry to read this. I wondered why there were no pictures lately. I'm glad treatment started immediately, and I hope for the best possible outcome for you. I hope you withstand the chemo itself well, and that your reactions are not among the worst possible. I will be praying for you, I hope you don't mind. Thank goodness for all your long walks, the hills and the stairs!

Oh Lucy I am so sorry to read your news. It must have been a huge shock. Will be thinking of you and hoping that your treatment goes well. Thank you for letting us all know where you are and keep in touch if you can. Sending you hugs and love xxx

All the best of wishes to get well Lucy - I suppose this means you will be in hospital over Christmas or home without visitors? I guess you were feeling tired for a while before your diagnosis and put it down to the uphills of Halifax. Thank you for letting us know. xx

Hello Lucy - oh. life, it throws up so many surprises and shocks, no? I have been wondering where you had got to, now I know and I will be able to think of you in your room in Halifax. I suspect that while this treatment will all be physically challenging and debilitating, your curiosity and powers of observation will offer much to stimulate and, hopefully, comfort you. I very much hope so. Meanwhile I will think of you on my daily walks especially when I see a plant flourishing against the odds in peculiar places. xx

We don't know each other but I saw the news on the Garden Bloggers FB Group (I - occasionally - write The Renaissance Gardener). May your treatment be less traumatic than you fear, and your recovery more complete than you hope for. With very best wishes, Sharon Moncur.

We have not been in touch before, but as a fellow blogger I felt I must comment. So so sorry to hear of your difficult news. Terrible ordeal to go through. I wish you the very best, a swift recovery and much support for you and your family for the journey towards a healthy you. Petra

Dear Lucy, I'm shocked to read your news and to learn of the hospitalisation that you have to endure. Try to remain positive - I love Karen's suggestion of visualising an oak tree, sunlight, a cool breeze on your face and at your feet and, best of all, the freedom to be outside in nature. I'm sending you healing thoughts for the strength to endure the treatment and for a full recovery. I know from my Dad's treatment that the process takes time but you'll get there. Sending love, Caro x

Oh Lucy! I do hope the treatment is not too awful and that you are feeling better soon. Perhaps midwinter is the best time to start your difficult journey and like a plant you will get stronger as the days get longer, and as winter moves towards spring all will be so much better.I will be thinking of you with every tree following linkbox, and will always thank you for starting that great idea.All the best xxx

I'm new to your blog. Sending best wishes to you and will be thinking of you as I begin a course of chemo this coming Wednesday. May you have many days of brightness and friendship through the internet. Sending positive thoughts. X

I’m a cancer/chemo survivor. It was tough. One of the most helpful things for me was remembering that I was far more than a cancer patient, and doing as much as I could of my regular life (amazing how appealing just a regular old life can be!). Sometimes it was necessary to explain to others how important this was. We’re all different and this might not work for you, but I offer it as a possibility. Hang in there, Lucy!

DEAR EVERYONEThanks for your messages here, for your emails and e-cards. I value them all. They are very encouraging. Apologies for not replying individually just yet. High temperatures have made the week difficult.Hopefully I'll be capable of more soon but in case not I'll take this opportunity to wish you all a happy Christmas.LUCY

Hi Lucy,So sorry to hear your news, it must have been such a shock. Sending you healing thoughts and hope you can do what Caro suggests and bring nature into the room with you. Thinking of you. Sarah x

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About Me

Loose and Leafy began on the Dorset coast. Now I'm blogging from urban West Yorkshire (England). Loose and Leafy in Halifax. No sea. Lots of buildings. And a new allotment.
The Loose and Leafy blogs are more about seeing than knowing. I'm neither a botanist nor an entomologist so if you see anything wrong . . . say!